Make This Summer Unforgettable With These 42 Activities Your Grandkids Will Talk About for Years

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People say we should age gracefully—but I say let’s age playfully!

Spring just started, but here in the Midwest, some of us are already getting a taste of summer weather.

Sure, the cold might come back before real summer arrives. But this sunshine has me dreaming about fun days outside with the grandkids.

So, I put together 40+ fun ideas—kind of like a “summer bucket list” to enjoy with them. Even if you only try a few, you’ll make sweet memories you’ll both remember for years.

Some of these ideas might look familiar, but I added new twists and playful ways to make them feel fresh and special—just like the bond you share with your grandchild.

Build and race toy boats

Make simple boats from foam, paper, or recycled materials, then race them in a kiddie pool or stream. It’s creative, exciting, and teaches a little about how things float and move.

Make a time capsule

Gather small items, notes, or photos that show what life is like this summer, then seal them in a box to open in the future. It’s a sweet way to hold on to memories and see how much changes over time.

Here’s how to make one.

Do a backyard science experiment

Try simple, safe experiments like making a volcano or mixing baking soda and vinegar. It’s hands-on learning that feels just like playtime.

Make s’mores around a campfire

Toast marshmallows, melt chocolate, and tell stories by the fire. It’s a sweet and cozy way to enjoy a summer night.

Volunteer for a community project

Help clean up a park, pack food boxes, or visit a shelter. It’s a great way to teach kindness and show how good it feels to help others.

Learn a new hobby or skill together

Try baking bread, knitting, or learning magic tricks. Sharing a new skill brings you closer and gives you both something fun to practice.

Go on a scenic bike ride

Ride along a safe trail or path and take in the view. Biking is great exercise and gives you time to talk and explore together.

Write and mail letters to loved ones

Help your grandchild write letters or draw pictures to send to family or friends. It teaches thoughtfulness and shows how fun it can be to brighten someone’s day.

Take a pottery or painting class together

Get creative with clay or colors and make something with your hands. These classes are great for bonding, learning, and laughing through the mess.

Create a scrapbook of summer memories

Print out photos, add stickers and stories, and build a book of your adventures. It’s a project that helps kids remember the good times for years to come.

Go berry picking at a local farm

Spend the day outdoors filling baskets with juicy berries. It’s sweet, simple fun—and you can use the berries to bake a treat later.

Organize a family game night

Set up board games, card games, or silly challenges for the whole family. It’s a great way to laugh together and enjoy some friendly competition.

Visit a nearby zoo or aquarium

See animals up close and learn fun facts about their homes and habits. It’s a great way to spark curiosity and enjoy a day full of wonder.

Create a summer reading challenge

Pick fun books to read and set small goals with rewards. It keeps reading exciting and helps build strong minds all summer long.

Host a themed costume party

Pick a fun theme like pirates, superheroes, or animals and dress up together. Add games, snacks, and music for a party your grandchild will never forget.

Stargaze on a clear summer night

Lay on a blanket, look up at the stars, and see what shapes you can find. It’s peaceful, magical, and a perfect time to talk and dream together.

Make homemade bird feeders

Use simple items like peanut butter, seeds, and string to make a bird buffet. Watching the birds come and go is a fun way to learn about nature together.

Visit a local museum or historic site

Walk through the past and discover cool stories and facts. It’s a fun way to learn something new while spending quality time together.

Create a backyard obstacle course

Use cones, ropes, and pool noodles to build a fun course to run, jump, and crawl through. It gets kids moving and laughing right in your own yard.

Go on a picnic in the park

Pack sandwiches, fruit, and a blanket, then find a shady spot to relax. Eating outdoors makes an ordinary lunch feel like a fun adventure.

Watch a local sports game

Cheer for the home team with snacks and matching shirts. It’s an easy way to bond over the excitement of the game.

Play mini-golf or visit a driving range

Try your luck with putt-putt or practice your swing on the range. It’s silly, challenging, and full of chances to cheer each other on.

Try a new outdoor sport together

Pick something new like frisbee golf, pickleball, or kayaking. Learning a new sport brings giggles, teamwork, and maybe a new favorite hobby!

Attend a summer festival or fair

Enjoy music, games, rides, and tasty treats all in one place. It’s full of fun and gives you a whole day of memories to enjoy.

Watch a sunset together

Sit on a blanket, watch the sky change colors, and talk about your day. It’s a peaceful way to connect and end the day with calm hearts.

Fly kites at the park

Run through the grass and feel the wind lift your kite high into the sky. Flying kites is exciting and gives you both time to play and enjoy the breeze.

Take a day trip to the beach

Pack towels, snacks, and sand toys for a full day of sun and fun. Splash in the waves, build sandcastles, and relax by the water.

Have a water balloon fight

Fill up balloons and get ready to get soaked with laughter. It’s the perfect way to cool off and be silly on a hot day.

Create a lemonade stand

Work together to squeeze lemons, make signs, and welcome customers. It’s a fun way to teach simple math, teamwork, and kindness to others.

Go fishing at a nearby lake or pond

Cast a line, be patient, and enjoy the quiet time talking while you wait for a bite. Even if you don’t catch anything, you’ll catch special memories.

Cook a meal with ingredients from a farmer’s market

Pick out fresh fruits and veggies, then head home to cook something delicious. It’s a fun way to learn about healthy food and try new things together.

Attend a local outdoor concert

Bring a blanket, pack snacks, and enjoy music under the open sky. Dancing or just listening together makes for a relaxing and joyful evening.

Most of all, it’s about spending special time with our grandkids. Even if we can’t be with them in person, we can still stay close by texting or sending letters.

It may not always be perfect, but every moment with them is a gift. Time goes by quickly, so let’s enjoy each second we get.

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